Drinking This Can Lower Stroke, Heart Disease & Diabetes Risk

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A recent research has found out that the risks of having stroke, heart diseases and diabetes can be lowered by drinking two glasses of cranberry juice.

The US Department of Agriculture recently conducted an eight-week study of fifty six participants, which were split into two groups and are given controlled diets. One group drank low-calorie cranberry juice a day while the other group was given a placebo with similar color and flavor, the Daily Mail reports.

Researchers took measurements of health indicators from the participants, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, blood levels and C-reactive protein to check inflammation. Bad numbers would indicate an individual likely to face health conditions in the future.

The study concluded that numbers in the group drinking cranberry juice have improved in comparison to the other group drinking the placebo. It also showed fifteen percent lower risk of a stroke and 10 percent lower risk of heart disease.

This suggests that polyphenols, highly present in cranberries, can help protect the body, lowering the risk of ailments. Phytonutrients, which are present also in cranberries, have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems.

Cranberries are also rich in Vitamin C, salicylic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, sodium, potassium and zinc. It also contains polyphenols which are protective compounds supporting the body's natural defenses.

Cranberries have long been accounted to curing various illnesses. The health benefits of cranberry juice include relief from urinary tract infections, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, heart diseases and even cancer. It is also known to prevent stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by plaque. In terms of cardiovascular health, cranberries help lower its risk because of the presence of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and in turn decrease the risk of arteries narrowing due to the build-up of fat, calcium and cholesterol in the blood.

Dr. Christina Khoo, PhD, Director of Research Sciences at Ocean Spray, suggests drinking two (2) glasses of cranberry juice to lower the risk of having stroke, heart ailments and diabetes. As said, the fruit is rich in antioxidants, richer than that of other fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, blueberries, cherries and apples. One cup of cranberries offers a total of 8,983 antioxidant capacity, according to Organic Facts.

Because of this, cranberries are considered versatile as it can be used as a food and can be used as a medicinal product. Cranberries, taken raw, are sour by nature but, made into a juice, it turns into a healthy, nutritional drink from one miracle fruit.